With another two weeks gone, the Rays are still the undisputed kings of the league, and don’t look to be on the verge of screwing that up anytime soon. Ditto for the undisputed princes of the league, the Yankees. The NL isn’t as clear cut, with everyone going nuts on each other; the East is led by 2.0 games, the Central is tied, and the West is led by 0.5 games. Interleague Play is almost upon us, which could really shake things up, and as such, you’ll also be treated to our most notable threats to Boston’s chances.

What does that mean for our power rankings? It means three new teams have appeared, and another is knocking on the doorstep. The previous #4 has dropped into oblivion just like that, and a newbie is in at #3, right behind the Rays and Yanks. The Blue Jays have fallen despite gaining favor. And with the Red Sox’ recent rush to tie the Jays at 33-25, has the hometown Phoenix risen from the ashes to appear on the rankings?

A first place vote earns a team 10 points, a second place vote earns nine, and so on. Ties are broken based on who received the most first place votes, then the most second, and so on. The second tiebreaker is based on rank in the previous power ranking, then the one before that, and so on.

KC – They have soared past the Phillies and are the clear best team in the East.

#4

St. Louis Cardinals

Atlanta Braves

St. Louis Cardinals (13)

#5, up 1

John – At this rate, the Cardinals will have to beat out the Reds in a playoff game to win the division.

#5

Los Angeles Dodgers

St. Louis Cardinals

Minnesota Twins (12)

#3, down 2

John – Really? The Twins lost to this Mariners team for three straight games? Good thing their division is terrible.

#6

Cincinnati Reds

Boston Red Sox

Cincinnati Reds (9)

NR

John – At this pace, after losing to the Cardinals in a playoff game, the Reds will have to go back home and will defeat the Dodgers in a playoff game. With such a three-way tie, the Cardinals would just get the division, though.

#7

Minnesota Twins

Cincinnati Reds

Los Angeles Dodgers (7)

#7, even

The Dodgers are only half a game behind the Padres, and in a three-way tie for the Wildcard, which might need Maury to settle it if the race gets any more heated.

#8

San Diego Padres

Toronto Blue Jays

Boston Red Sox (5)

NR

KC – Despite the loss on Sunday, the Red Sox remain Red Hot.

#9

Toronto Blue Jays

San Diego Padres

San Diego Padres (5)

#6, down 3

John – With the Padres’ lead slipping, Adrian Gonzalez might be pried away after all.

#10

Los Angeles Angels

Los Angeles Dodgers

Toronto Blue Jays (5)

#9, down 1

KC – Everyone is hitting HRs. How does Jose Bautista have 18?

Others earning votes:

Los Angeles Angels (1)

Table Legend

A number in parentheses before a team name indicates the number of first place votes received.

A number in parentheses after a team name indicates total points received.

Boston’s Biggest Interleague Threat

John – Ubaldo Jimenez

At this rate, Jimenez will be the first 30 game winner since Denny McLain in 1968 for the Detroit Tigers. With help from an unreliable Red Sox offense, Jimenez will reduce his ERA to about -4.12. The good news for Boston is that if the Giants hold to a pitcher throwing every five games, Lincecum won’t play. Boston would get the three worst Giants starters instead. But with two days off surrounding a Toronto series, we’ll see what they do.

KC – Colorado Rockies

Specifically, the Sox will probably run into Ubaldo Jimenez, who is pitching out of his mind right now. They’d be hard pressed to beat him, or Jeff Francis for that matter (who is also hot).